A Critical Review on the Corporate Governance, Board Independence and Gender Diversity in Emerging Asian Countries

The aim of this study was to identify the role of board independence and gender diversity in corporate governance practiced in emerging Asian countries. Literature was critically examined on the role of board independence and gender diversity in corporate governance for developed and developing countries. The current practices of the emerging nations in Asia were also closely followed. It was observed that despite efforts on the part of governments and policy makers, the emerging states are not being able to fully reap the benefits or realize the significance of board independence and gender diversity in corporate governance. Owing to well rooted cultural traits in the Asian world regarding women, the emerging markets are finding it difficult to let go off their conservative diversity profile. The traditional views on gender diversity and board independence require revision keeping in view the growing trend of women directorship in organizations worldwide. Further research on board independence and gender diversity in the developing Asian countries may help to provide a basis for a paradigm shift and result in better representation of gender at the level of decision making and in influencing corporate governance. Keywords: Board independence, gender diversity, corporate governance, emerging countrie

Identification of recurrent and novel mutations in TULP1 in Pakistani families with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa

Contains fulltext : 108208.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: To identify the genetic defects underlying retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Pakistani families. METHODS: Genome-wide high-density single-nucleotide-polymorphism microarray analysis was performed using the DNA of nine affected individuals from two large families with multiple consanguineous marriages. Data were analyzed to identify homozygous regions that are shared by affected sibs in each family. Sanger sequencing was performed for genes previously implicated in autosomal recessive RP and allied retinal dystrophies that resided in the identified homozygous regions. Probands from both families underwent fundus examination and electroretinogram measurements. RESULTS: The tubby-like protein 1 gene (TULP1) was present in the largest homozygous region in both families. Sequence analysis identified a previously reported mutation (c.1138A>G; p.Thr380Ala) in one family and a novel pathogenic variant (c.1445G>A; p.Arg482Gln) in the other family. Both variants were found to be present in a homozygous state in all affected individuals, were heterozygous present in the unaffected parents, and heterozygous present or absent in normal individuals. Affected individuals of both families showed an early-onset form of RP. CONCLUSIONS: Homozygosity mapping, combined with candidate-gene analysis, successfully identified genetic defects in TULP1 in two large Pakistani families with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa

The Trajectories, Trends, and Opportunities for Assessing Urban Ecosystem Services: A Systematic Review of Geospatial Methods

Urban ecosystem services (UES) are indispensable for life. Stakeholders are improvising strategies for a more sustainable provisioning of UES. For this purpose and for identifying orientations towards geospatial data in UES studies, the “bibliometric analysis” technique was deployed. The inclinations facilitate assessments pertaining to spatio-temporal oscillations in the supply–demand equilibrium. The propensities are gaining recognition due to time and cost effectiveness. Besides this, Remote Sensing (RS) in conjunction with Geographic Information System (GIS), enables the conduct of synoptic and robust periodic evaluations. The study analyzes inclinations towards RS in contemporary research (2010–2020) focusing, particularly, on urban ecosystem services. It specifically focuses on methodological frameworks and major sources of remotely sensed data. Therefore, a total of 261 records of research articles were identified and retrieved. Subsequently, 79 articles were selected for further processing and content analysis. It transpired that approximately 30% of the selected publications deployed remotely sensed data for assessment purposes. The majority (96%) of such studies were conducted in economically developed and industrialized countries. However, the researchers from both developed and developing countries prefer open software and free data sources. Besides this, they prefer satellite-based optical sensors over image sensors such as TIR, SAR, or light sensors for acquiring data. The findings formulate that Land Use Land Cover (LULC)-based methodologies and inclinations for assessing regulating services are more frequently pursued. The findings revealed that enhanced research collaborations, access to data, and assessment gadgets are obligatory for capacity building in developing regions. Knowledge sharing and cost-effective access to RS and GIS based platforms are incumbent for ensuring urban environmental sustainability in developing economies

Uncovering Barriers for Industrial Symbiosis: Assessing Prospects for Eco-Industrialization through Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Developing Regions

Industrialization is indispensable for socio-economic development but poses far-reaching implications for resources and the environment. Consequently, industrial symbiosis-based collaborations are gaining recognition as a viable strategy to manage resource consumption for mitigating environmental distress. However, these types of synergistic collaborations are more prevalent in developed regions and are linked to larger-sized industries. Admittedly, such collaborative partnerships are less focused in developing regions and small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs). This calls for discovering the potentials for synergistic partnerships among the small and medium scaled industrial entities in developing economies. Therefore, the study was designed to identify, assess and explore the prospects of symbiotic collaborations among SMEs in Pakistan. Moreover, the inputs are equally relevant for developing and expanding such productive associations in developing regions. Data regarding inputs and outputs was collected from sixty-one (61) SMEs through field survey during the year 2019. It was processed and analyzed to uncover existing and potential synergies among SMEs. The significant findings transpired that the majority of collaborative linkages are bilateral and are driven to maximize economic gains. However, informal networks of recyclers and absence of a stringent regulatory regime are the ground realities in developing/transforming economies. These factors symptomatically interfere with the process of formal/informal exchanges between and among firms. Furthermore, it was observed that the lack of awareness and impulsiveness of SMEs, as well as the inconsistent supply of by-products, act as barriers for such partnerships in developing countries. It calls for proactive engagements and facilitations from the state institutions through policy instruments. The study addresses a broad audience including industrialists, investors, policy makers and researchers engaged in IS studies. Moreover, the inputs will provide impetus for stimulating eco-industrial progress in developing regions such as Pakistan

Degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 Using Ionizing Radiation Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and By-Product Distribution

The degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 (RY-18), induced by gamma radiation in aqueous medium, was carried out as a function of gamma radiation dose (5–20 kGy) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the initial dye concentration and pH of the solution were optimized for the maximum degradation efficiency. Gamma radiations alone and in combination with H2O2 were used to degrade the RY-18. A degradation rate of 99% was achieved using an absorbed dose of 20 kGy, 0.6 mL H2O2 in acidic pH. Variations in the functional groups of untreated and treated RY-18 were determined by FTIR analysis. The LCMS technique was used to determine the intermediates formed during the degradation process. The cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of RY-18 were studied by hemolytic and Ames tests, respectively. There were significant reductions in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in response to gamma radiation treatment. Cytotoxicity was reduced from 15.1% to 7.6% after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose of gamma radiations with 0.6 mL H2O2. Mutagenicity was reduced by 81.3% and 82.3% against the bacterial strains TA98 and TA100 after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose with 0.6 mL H2O2. The advanced oxidation process efficiency was evaluated using the byproduct formations, which were low-molecular-weight organic acid units, which through further oxidation were converted into carbon dioxide and water end products. Based on RY-18 degradation, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity reduction, the gamma radiation in combination with H2O2 has potential for the removal of dye from the effluents

Degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 Using Ionizing Radiation Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and By-Product Distribution

The degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 (RY-18), induced by gamma radiation in aqueous medium, was carried out as a function of gamma radiation dose (5–20 kGy) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the initial dye concentration and pH of the solution were optimized for the maximum degradation efficiency. Gamma radiations alone and in combination with H2O2 were used to degrade the RY-18. A degradation rate of 99% was achieved using an absorbed dose of 20 kGy, 0.6 mL H2O2 in acidic pH. Variations in the functional groups of untreated and treated RY-18 were determined by FTIR analysis. The LCMS technique was used to determine the intermediates formed during the degradation process. The cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of RY-18 were studied by hemolytic and Ames tests, respectively. There were significant reductions in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in response to gamma radiation treatment. Cytotoxicity was reduced from 15.1% to 7.6% after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose of gamma radiations with 0.6 mL H2O2. Mutagenicity was reduced by 81.3% and 82.3% against the bacterial strains TA98 and TA100 after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose with 0.6 mL H2O2. The advanced oxidation process efficiency was evaluated using the byproduct formations, which were low-molecular-weight organic acid units, which through further oxidation were converted into carbon dioxide and water end products. Based on RY-18 degradation, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity reduction, the gamma radiation in combination with H2O2 has potential for the removal of dye from the effluents

Gender differences in radiation dose from nuclear cardiology studies across the world: findings Ffom the INCAPS registry

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate gender-based differences in nuclear cardiology practice globally, with a particular focus on laboratory volume, radiation dose, protocols, and best practices. BACKGROUND It is unclear whether gender-based differences exist in radiation exposure for nuclear cardiology procedures. METHODS In a large, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study encompassing 7,911 patients in 65 countries, radiation effective dose was estimated for each examination. Patient-level best practices relating to radiation exposure were compared between genders. Analysis of covariance was used to determine any difference in radiation exposure according to gender, region, and the interaction between gender and region. Linear, logistic, and hierarchical regression models were developed to evaluate gender-based differences in radiation exposure and laboratory adherence to best practices. The study also included the United Nations Gender Inequality Index and Human Development Index as covariates in multivariable models. RESULTS The proportion of myocardial perfusion imaging studies performed in women varied among countries; however, there was no significant correlation with the Gender Inequality Index. Globally, mean effective dose for nuclear cardiology procedures was only slightly lower in women (9.6 ± 4.5 mSv) than in men (10.3 ± 4.5 mSv; p < 0.001), with a difference of only 0.3 mSv in a multivariable model adjusting for patients' age and weight. Stress-only imaging was performed more frequently in women (12.5% vs. 8.4%; p < 0.001); however, camera-based dose reduction strategies were used less frequently in women (58.6% vs. 65.5%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite significant worldwide variation in best practice use and radiation doses from nuclear cardiology procedures, only small differences were observed between genders worldwide. Regional variations noted in myocardial perfusion imaging use and radiation dose offer potential opportunities to address gender-related differences in delivery of nuclear cardiology care

Gender Differences in Radiation Dose from Nuclear Cardiology Studies Across the World Findings from the INCAPS Registry

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate gender-based differences in nuclear cardiology practice globally, with a particular focus on laboratory volume, radiation dose, protocols, and best practices. Background It is unclear whether gender-based differences exist in radiation exposure for nuclear cardiology procedures. Methods In a large, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study encompassing 7,911 patients in 65 countries, radiation effective dose was estimated for each examination. Patient-level best practices relating to radiation exposure were compared between genders. Analysis of covariance was used to determine any difference in radiation exposure according to gender, region, and the interaction between gender and region. Linear, logistic, and hierarchical regression models were developed to evaluate gender-based differences in radiation exposure and laboratory adherence to best practices. The study also included the United Nations Gender Inequality Index and Human Development Index as covariates in multivariable models. Results The proportion of myocardial perfusion imaging studies performed in women varied among countries; however, there was no significant correlation with the Gender Inequality Index. Globally, mean effective dose for nuclear cardiology procedures was only slightly lower in women (9.6 ± 4.5 mSv) than in men (10.3 ± 4.5 mSv; p &lt; 0.001), with a difference of only 0.3 mSv in a multivariable model adjusting for patients' age and weight. Stress-only imaging was performed more frequently in women (12.5% vs. 8.4%; p &lt; 0.001); however, camera-based dose reduction strategies were used less frequently in women (58.6% vs. 65.5%; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Despite significant worldwide variation in best practice use and radiation doses from nuclear cardiology procedures, only small differences were observed between genders worldwide. Regional variations noted in myocardial perfusion imaging use and radiation dose offer potential opportunities to address gender-related differences in delivery of nuclear cardiology care

Health-status outcomes with invasive or conservative care in coronary disease

BACKGROUND In the ISCHEMIA trial, an invasive strategy with angiographic assessment and revascularization did not reduce clinical events among patients with stable ischemic heart disease and moderate or severe ischemia. A secondary objective of the trial was to assess angina-related health status among these patients. METHODS We assessed angina-related symptoms, function, and quality of life with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at randomization, at months 1.5, 3, and 6, and every 6 months thereafter in participants who had been randomly assigned to an invasive treatment strategy (2295 participants) or a conservative strategy (2322). Mixed-effects cumulative probability models within a Bayesian framework were used to estimate differences between the treatment groups. The primary outcome of this health-status analysis was the SAQ summary score (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status). All analyses were performed in the overall population and according to baseline angina frequency. RESULTS At baseline, 35% of patients reported having no angina in the previous month. SAQ summary scores increased in both treatment groups, with increases at 3, 12, and 36 months that were 4.1 points (95% credible interval, 3.2 to 5.0), 4.2 points (95% credible interval, 3.3 to 5.1), and 2.9 points (95% credible interval, 2.2 to 3.7) higher with the invasive strategy than with the conservative strategy. Differences were larger among participants who had more frequent angina at baseline (8.5 vs. 0.1 points at 3 months and 5.3 vs. 1.2 points at 36 months among participants with daily or weekly angina as compared with no angina). CONCLUSIONS In the overall trial population with moderate or severe ischemia, which included 35% of participants without angina at baseline, patients randomly assigned to the invasive strategy had greater improvement in angina-related health status than those assigned to the conservative strategy. The modest mean differences favoring the invasive strategy in the overall group reflected minimal differences among asymptomatic patients and larger differences among patients who had had angina at baseline